On the data front, France's industrial production expanded more than expected in December, reversing a drop in November, the statistical office Insee said.

Industrial production grew 0.5 percent month-on-month in the month, in contrast to a 0.3 percent fall in November. Output was expected to grow 0.1 percent.

U.K. industrial output decreased 1.3 percent month-on-month in December, marking the first fall in nine months, while the country's visible trade deficit widened at the end of the year, separate reports showed.